LAN Definition

The LAN definition is Local Area
Network. It can be a any connection that is used to connect
one computer to another. Typically a LAN consists of several
computer connected via and Ethernet cable. It's the cable on
the back of a computer that looks like a big telephone connector.
Not only can computers be on a LAN these days, there are many devices
that will use an Ethernet LAN to connect to the internet.
Anything from a PS3 to and Xbox or my Western Digital TV Live
media player which uses the connection to play video from either the
internet or my computer.

If you ever run out of Ethernet port on a computer, you can
buy an add on card that will fit into either a PCI-e port which is
number 6 or 7, or a PCI card which will fit into number 8.

Ethernet LAN's have come a long way in recent years.
To get the fastest connection, get what's called gigabit LAN
or 10/100/1000 or the 10/100/1000/10000 which should be out in the next
year or 2.

The easiest way to set up a LAN at home is with a router.
You can check our Linksys router setup page for more
information. All you need to do is setup the router once,
then plug in any devices you want on your network to make a stable
connection.
The other advantage is, if you ever change computers you don't have to
set up the connection again.